Blossoming Through Girlhood

Talking about gender issues might be seen as a touchy subject, but it's no secret that gender discrimination is a very real thing. From my own life experience, I can sum up growing up as a girl in one word: horrid. Even now, I sometimes find myself frustrated with the fact that I was born a girl, as it often feels like I had to hide my true self to fit in and avoid standing out.   As I got older, my insecurities persisted, along with the unmistakable signs of my femininity. I did everything I could to distance myself from being labeled as "girly," which I'd often heard used as an insult or a way to put down women and girls. The irony is that being 'girly' is one of the defining qualities of girlhood. I wore baggy clothes, pretended to like black, avoided makeup, and did everything I could to avoid embracing the girl who genuinely wanted to wear pink and glitter. But all my attempts to break away from these norms only made me more insecure because that wasn...

I'm determined to lead a life dedicated to serving others, especially those who often go unheard. It may sound idealistic, but I truly believe that these aspirations are the driving force behind positive change.  I'm keenly aware of the privileges I've been fortunate to have. I'm grateful for the comfort and opportunities I have—a roof over my head, access to education, Wi-Fi, and three meals a day. However, it's impossible to ignore the obvious contrast when there are families struggling to make ends meet with limited resources."  This is why I chose the academic strand of HUMSS (Humanities and Social Sciences). It's not just about delving into the humanities; it's also about personal development. How can you be equipped to help others when you are barely hanging on yourself?  Interview about the experiences of Filipino families living under the 4PS program I'm committed to making a difference in the best way I can, whether through gaining a deep u...

 giving a speech about the death penalty during a debate program at school “Be a voice, not an echo.” — Albert Einstein There is an ancient Japanese proverb that says, “The nail that sticks out gets hammered down.” This wisdom teaches us that when someone dares to be different, to stand out in a crowd, they risk drawing criticism, judgment, and even punishment from their community and the institutions that govern it. This certainly resonates with my experiences growing up in a predominantly Catholic country where traditional values and beliefs are prevalent. As a girl, there were a lot of expectations that were presented early in my childhood. Sitting up straight, dressing modestly, being modest, not being too loud, not eating too much, etc. These expectations were like a tight corset, constraining my spirit. They silently urged me to bite my tongue and silence my thoughts. The idea of being the ideal, subservient girl seemed to be the unquestioned norm. Yet, as I entered my teenag...